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How to Say "puzzle" in Spanish

English → Spanish

rompecabezas

rrom-peh-cah-BEH-sasrompeˈkaβesas

nounA1general
Use this term for a jigsaw puzzle or as a general, widely understood word for any type of puzzle.
A colorful, partially completed jigsaw puzzle resting on a flat surface, showing several interlocking pieces already connected.

Examples

Compré un rompecabezas de mil piezas para el fin de semana.

I bought a one-thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle for the weekend.

Armar rompecabezas es muy relajante para mí.

Putting together puzzles is very relaxing for me.

A Word That Stays the Same

This word is a special type of compound noun that does not change its form in the plural. You use 'el rompecabezas' for one, and 'los rompecabezas' for many.

Over-Pluralizing

Mistake: “Compré dos rompecabezases.”

Correction: Compré dos rompecabezas. (The word itself already has the plural 'cabezas' inside it.)

acertijo

ah-ser-TEE-hoaserˈtixo

nounB1general
Use this word specifically for a riddle, a question or statement phrased in a puzzling way that requires a clever answer.
A friendly orange fox in a forest looking at a mysterious, glowing wooden box.

Examples

Tengo un acertijo para ti: ¿qué tiene llaves pero no abre puertas?

I have a riddle for you: what has keys but doesn't open doors?

Me encanta resolver acertijos matemáticos en mi tiempo libre.

I love solving math puzzles in my free time.

Su comportamiento es un auténtico acertijo para todos nosotros.

His behavior is a real enigma to all of us.

Masculine Ending

Since it ends in '-o', it is almost always masculine. You should use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Difference from 'Rompecabezas'

While 'acertijo' is a riddle or logic puzzle, a physical jigsaw puzzle is called a 'rompecabezas' (literally: 'head-breaker').

Puzzle vs. Acertijo

Mistake: “Using 'puzzle' (the Spanish borrowed word) for a verbal riddle.”

Correction: In Spanish, 'puzzle' usually refers specifically to a jigsaw puzzle with pieces. Use 'acertijo' for verbal games or logic mysteries.

pasatiempo

pa-sah-tee-ehm-pohpasaˈtjempo

nounB1general
This term refers to a puzzle activity or game done for amusement, such as crosswords, Sudoku, or word searches.
A wooden jigsaw puzzle with several pieces connected and one piece being placed into a gap.

Examples

Compré una revista de pasatiempos para el viaje.

I bought a puzzle magazine for the trip.

Este pasatiempo de lógica es casi imposible de resolver.

This logic puzzle is almost impossible to solve.

En la última página del periódico siempre hay un pasatiempo.

There is always a puzzle on the last page of the newspaper.

Plural Use

When referring to the 'puzzle section' of a newspaper or a magazine full of games, we usually use the plural: 'los pasatiempos'.

Puzzle vs. Rompecabezas

Mistake: “Estoy haciendo un pasatiempo de mil piezas.”

Correction: Estoy haciendo un rompecabezas de mil piezas. Use 'rompecabezas' for jigsaw puzzles and 'pasatiempo' for word or logic games like crosswords.

General vs. Specific Puzzles

Learners often use 'acertijo' or 'pasatiempo' when they simply mean a jigsaw puzzle. Remember that 'rompecabezas' is the most common general term, while 'acertijo' is specifically for riddles and 'pasatiempo' for puzzle activities or magazines.

Related Translations

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